Of these, 1118 were classified as ‘alert', indicating a serious health risk for which swift action was required by food operators or authorities. Aflatoxins in nuts and mercury in swordfish were the two most frequently reported issues in food checked at the EU border and on the EU market. As in previous years, only a small percentage of the notifications in 2018 related to feed (9%) and food contact materials (4%). Also in 2018, a significant number of notifications related to a multi-country foodborne outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes linked to frozen corn. The RASFF was instrumental for tracing and removing the affected products from the market.

Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis, in charge of Health and Food Safety said:

"2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the RASFF which is recognised across the board, within, and outside the EU, as a crucial tool to ensure that food placed on the market in the EU is safe. Traceability of food and, if need be, a swift removal of goods from the market are commitments we have towards consumers. The increased activity of the RASFF network as shown by this year's report is a confirmation of the enhanced cooperation by food operators and Member States' authorities, which constitutes a positive message for consumers''.